June is Pork Month here in Alberta and we have created this Pork Souvlaki with Cucumber Pineapple Salsa using pork from Sunterra Market to celebrate pork month!
For our souvlaki we are using the pork shoulder. This tougher cut of meat is typically layered with fat that comes from the pig’s shoulder region. In other areas of the world it may also be known as a pork butt or Boston butt, but this is actually shoulder meat.
Pork shoulder is available bone-in or boneless and for this recipe we are using boneless pork shoulder.
Whether you choose to slow cook it, grind it to make these delicious Vietnamese Pork Meatball Banh Mi or cut into chunks and marinate it like the Greeks do to make souvlaki, there are many options for getting the best out this succulent cut of meat.
Pork souvlaki is a form of grilled meat on a stick that is a favourite summer time food. This almost caveman-esque way of eating comes in many variations like skewers, satay, souvlaki, even stick food as we’ve affectionately called it here: Sammy’s On A Stick and here: Beef Keftas.
With a variety of pork cuts to choose from like pork shoulder, pork loin or pork tenderloin when skewering pork, it’s easy to find something that fits your family, budget and time.
We like to prepare the pork the night before we plan on cooking it. The marinade is quick to make, pour into a plastic bag with your pork, seal and leave in the fridge until ready to cook.
The rest comes together quickly making this another great meal for a busy weekday night or a causal weekend get together. If you prefer less fat in your pork choose a loin or tenderloin. But really, there is flavour in the fat as it melts into the meat while cooking.
Sunterra Farms is a large conventional pork producer in Alberta, with its own processing plant, and retails through its own stores in Alberta. Sunterra also produces a small number of Berkshire pigs for export to Japan.
Sunterra Farm Facts:
- Their butchers do custom cuts, just ask! (They may have to place an order from Sunterra Meats, so call ahead if it’s a large cut or order)
- Sunterra’s pigs are fed grain and barley. This results in a different texture and whiter fat cap than corn fed pigs.
An easy marinade with citrus flavours and fresh oregano give this pork a tangy yet simple taste. Topped with a fresh salsa of cucumber, pineapple and hint of heat from the red thai chili makes it a satisfying meal that tastes just as good the next day.
Are you a stick food fan? Share your favourite stick food ideas below!
We are working in collaboration with Sunterra Market and they have provided the ingredients for this recipe. All opinions, views expressed and recipe development are, as always, my own.
